Resident poll reveals pandemic’s emotional toll: Frail elders need ‘something to live for’
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 02, 2020
A direct poll of nursing home residents in 36 states reveals a “drastic” reduction in social activities and a steep increase in reported loneliness. “Innovative distance socializing” may help address...
CMS: Surveyors looking for education, not expertise, under COVID-19 vaccine rule that starts today
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 21, 2021
Nursing homes will not be expected to turn their staff members into vaccine experts under a new rule that requires all workers to be offered COVID-19 shots and to be educated about them, a federal official...
Desperate for testing, PPE, providers asked to report all COVID cases to authorities
By
Liza Berger
Apr 13, 2020
In an effort to secure needed testing and personal protective equipment (PPE), both major long-term care associations are urging providers to report all COVID-19-positive cases to state survey agencies...
CMS: No test-out option for health worker vax mandate
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 05, 2021
Healthcare workers may seek a medical or religious exemption under the new emergency federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate, but a test opt-out does not exist, a top Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services...
Vast majority of providers struggling to fill work shifts or hire new employees: industry survey shows
By
Danielle Brown
Nov 19, 2020
A majority of providers are struggling to cover shifts and recruit new workers during the ongoing health crisis, according to a new industry audit.
Surveyors prioritize infection control compliance amid coronavirus outbreak
By
Danielle Brown
Feb 10, 2020
Surveyors will be paying close attention to healthcare providers’ compliance with infection prevention and control policies amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services...
BREAKING: Feds: Nursing homes must test staff, offer residents COVID-19 testing under new rules
By
James M. Berklan
Danielle Brown
Aug 25, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced sweeping regulatory changes Tuesday afternoon for nursing homes and other providers dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks.
Staff living with nursing home residents with COVID-19 reduced deaths, cases: study
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 18, 2020
Isolating staff members and nursing home residents together is an effective method for reducing coronavirus cases and deaths in long-term care facilities, according to a new study featured in JAMA.
Providers oppose federal vaccine mandate at state hearing
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 16, 2021
The Missouri Health Care Association came out strongly against the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate during a subcommittee hearing, citing concerns that a large chunk of workers could be lost due to the...
‘Shared accountability’ should be new nursing home commission’s goal, member says
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 22, 2020
Deep collaboration between regulators and providers is the target of at least some of the panelists for the new federal COVID-19 nursing home commission.